this heart condition is characterized by decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion which can lead to organ failure
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Practice Exam

1. This heart condition is characterized by decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which can lead to organ failure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock is a severe condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump enough blood, leading to decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which can result in organ failure. Choice B, Myocardial infarction, specifically refers to a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. Choices C and D, Endocarditis and Pericarditis, do not directly involve decreased cardiac output leading to organ failure, making them incorrect in the context of the symptoms described in the question.

2. What procedure is used to remove fluid from the pleural space to help a patient breathe more easily?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to drain fluid, relieving pressure and helping the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure used to examine the airways, not to drain fluid. An echocardiogram (choice C) is an imaging test to assess the heart's structure and function, not related to draining pleural fluid. A CT scan (choice D) is a cross-sectional imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the inside of the body, not used for draining pleural fluid.

3. Which medication is used to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors are medications specifically designed to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure, but ACE inhibitors are particularly effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

4. What is a condition where the lung's air sacs become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pneumonia is the correct answer. It is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to the accumulation of fluid or pus, which results in symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Tuberculosis (choice B) is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs but does not typically cause the same acute symptoms as described. Asthma (choice C) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, not specifically involving the air sacs. Bronchitis (choice D) is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs in the lungs, and does not typically cause the same symptoms as pneumonia.

5. The healthcare provider is administering IV nitroglycerin to a patient for chest pain. What is the most critical parameter to monitor?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure.' Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. Monitoring the blood pressure is crucial to prevent potential complications such as hypotension-induced dizziness, syncope, or organ hypoperfusion. While heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate are important parameters to monitor in a clinical setting, the immediate concern with IV nitroglycerin administration is the risk of hypotension, making blood pressure the most critical parameter to assess.

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